Meet Dr. Jacob Sheppard

After a varied work life which included being a U.S. mail carrier, a home inspector and owning his own business as a handyman, Dr. Jacob Sheppard decided it was time to pursue his childhood dream of becoming a dentist. Leaving three jobs, he packed up his young family and relocated to Richmond, Virginia, where he attended Virginia Commonwealth University and graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Biology. Dr. Sheppard earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the VCU School of Dentistry, where he served as class president and was recognized by the American Academy of Implant Dentistry for his excellence and skill.

Dr. Sheppard is committed to continuing education and takes many advanced courses each year to enhance his skills to better serve the dental care needs of his patients and provide them with a gentle and comfortable dental experience.

When he is not working, Dr. Sheppard resides in Chesterfield, VA with his wife Sharon, their two children, Jacob and Sabrina, and their dogs Mocha, Griffin, Trixie and Larry. He likes spending time outdoors with his family, woodworking, music, birding, and making cakes. He is very involved in his church and his children’s school and extracurricular activities. Even throughout the busy years in college and dental school, his dedication to volunteering never went waned. He participated in the Mission of Mercy Projects that helped the underserved population of Virginia, not just by performing dentistry but also by contributing to its organization.

About Our Practice

Hopewell Family Dentistry is located in a converted home from 1920 and reflects the family-oriented, laid back atmosphere we strive to provide to our patients.

Established by Dr. Thomas Leftwich in the early 1980s and later acquired by Commonwealth Dentistry in 2012, our practice has cared for generations of families in the Hopewell area for over 30 years. In December of 2017, Dr. Sheppard, then an associate dentist with Commonwealth Dentistry, decided to purchase the practice and has turned it into what it is today.

Before Dr. Sheppard attended dental school, he spent seven years in private practice and the military working as a dental assistant, patient coordinator and hygienist. He truly understands every facet of a dental practice through first-hand experience.

Our compassionate team loves to be active in our community and regularly participates in campaigns to raise the awareness of several causes including breast cancer, autism, down syndrome, and heart health.

Our office is located at the corner of N 4th Avenue and West Broadway near downtown Hopewell.

We look forward to meeting each and every one of you!

Meet Our Staff

Sara

When coming for your cleanings you’ll be seen by Sara. Sara attended Chowan University and Halifax College where she received her degree in Dental Hygiene in 2013. She currently lives in Franklin, VA and drives in every morning so she can enjoy her favorite part of being in dentistry, “Helping patients keep their smile for a lifetime.”

Sara loves spending time with her beautiful daughter when not busy keeping up with your smile. Her favorite charities include St. Jude and the Ronald McDonald House. Sara’s personal motto? “Life is short, smile while you still have teeth.”

Shelby

The first thing that greets you when you come in is Shelby’s warm smile. Shelby has been in the dental industry since 2013. Since patient care is so important to her, she wants to make sure every patient has a good experience at our office.

Shelby is from Midlothian, VA but currently lives in South Chesterfield with her 19 chickens, 1 dog, 2 cats, 2 rabbits and 1 husband (Emanuel). Her many hobbies include horseback riding, gardening, hiking and hunting.

Mary

When seeing Dr. Sheppard, on a coin flip, you will probably be seeing Mary as well. Mary has been in the dental field since 1995. Her easy going and pleasant demeanor will set you at ease while Dr. Sheppard is treating you.

Mary grew up not too far from here in Hopewell. She currently resides in Prince George where Mary and her husband enjoy watching their 2 boys play baseball. When not at the baseball diamond, Mary enjoys shopping and traveling as well as tending to Dexter, her goldfish.

Tori

There is a 50% chance that you will see Tori when getting treatment from Dr. Sheppard. Tori has been helping to improve smiles since 1991. When you’re in the chair, Tori strives to make your appointment as pleasant and comfortable as possible.

Tori hails from Barstow, CA but now calls Colonial Heights home. She loves to spend time with her 2 daughters and 2 sons as well as her 3 grandchildren and 2 pups.